Why Be Catholic? 10 Years Later...

***Disclaimer: This post is not meant to insult any other faith, rather I am reflecting on why being Catholic is home for me. Why it makes sense.  Please read it with that mindset.

Ten years ago, I made a decision that would forever alter my life and bring me on to a new path of love and devotion.  That's right 10 years ago, at the Easter Vigil Mass I was brought into full communion in the Catholic church.  It was a big decision for me, one that I did not take lightly and one that initially I wasn't sure I wanted to make, but it was the best day of my life at that point and a decision that will always continue to bless my life.

So ten years later the question "Why be Catholic when I can be anything I want to be?" has been playing a lot in my mind lately.  In fact, just recently I had what I would call a crisis of faith.  I told my husband that I wasn't even sure I wanted to be Catholic anymore! (Gasp! Don't worry my dear Catholic friends...it was a short lived crisis.) You see, without going into my entire conversion story, you should know that my background is in the evangelical Christian church.  I was heavily involved an Assembly of God church, where I truly met the Lord for the first time.  I loved the music and the preaching at my church and being involved probably saved me going through high school.  But, as most do, I fell away from all church during college and wound up teaching at a Catholic school out of desperation! LOL! Truly...I don't lie. I just didn't know God was calling me home. 

OK, so back to my crisis.  You see these last 2 years have been exhausting for me.  You've read my story, you know the saga we've lived.  The Catholic church deep in her traditions and teachings wasn't reaching me for some reason.  Where I was and in some ways still am was needing something more, something beyond checking my time card each Sunday morning. (I recognize I was probably to blame for the most part.)  I gotta be honest, I was thinking about some of these new churches with a coffee bar in the lobby, a good 45 minute praise and worship session, a nursery for my little guy, women's Bible studies, Wednesday night church, and so much more.  I was thinking about that for a church and it was feeling very, very attractive to me.  I was needing to be fed and couldn't find that without feeling the need to start something myself and I gotta be honest...I don't have the mental capacity to start any ministries right now.  I wanted to be ministered to.  And yet, I was a Catholic and I know I'm never going to find a coffee bar in the lobby of my church nor be able to bring my coffee into Mass with me.  (LOL, can you tell I love my coffee?) And so I began to pray...nothing spectacular, but for a week the only prayer I could pray was this...

"Lord, help me fall in love with your church again..."

 

 

...and after a few conversations with my husband, two dear Catholic friends who I felt I could be totally honest with, and searching out a Catholic Church out in Ann Arbor...the Lord helped me love His church again.  So why do I choose to be Catholic? I'll tell you.  As appealing as those things I mentioned above are, I actually really and truly believe the teaching of the Catholic church.

 

 

I believe in the Sacraments.  I believe in the Eucharist.  When Christ said "This IS My body..." I am pretty sure He meant it.  What a gift that I get to invite the Lord in each week when I receive Him in Holy Communion.  I believe in the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession).  A friend once told me it's the cheapest form of therapy out there! But all kidding aside, there is something so beautiful about admitting your sins to Christ through a priest and knowing that as you leave the confessional you are forgiven of your sins.  It's such a beautiful demonstration of the forgiveness of our Lord. 

 

I believe in our devotion to Mary and the Saints.  Although this teaching is one of the most misunderstood teachings of our church by other faiths, it is one of my strongest.  When I lost my son Jackson, I prayed to Mary for guidance and faith knowing that she knew all too well how difficult it was to lose a child.  When I was encountering another difficult pregnancy I prayed to St. Gianna and others to pray for me.  I love the Communion of Saints.  I love that there are people in heaven that I can ask to pray for me and take my prayers to the Lord especially when I am finding prayer especially difficult. 

 

I believe in Purgatory.  I find peace and comfort that in God's mercy, He knows that although we may not be fully ready to enter the gates of Heaven, He allows us to pray for others in order to purify our souls so that we are spotless before the Lord.  The Lord is just, and yet so full of love.

 

I truly believe that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ.  And just as Christ gave Peter the keys to His Church, I believe that we have a spiritual successor to lead and guide our church.  Oh and what awesome Popes we have had in the 10 years I have been a Catholic.  I especially love our current Pope, Pope Francis.  What a blessing he is to our church and wow! How much he has taught us in his few short months as our Pope? 

 

I believe in it all.  And although our Church is not perfect and there will never be a coffee bar or a 45 minute praise session, there is such beauty in the rich traditions and beautiful sacraments.  My family has found a new Catholic Church in the meantime that seems to be a good fit for us and our spirituality and that has helped.  And so even though I may struggle at times, I am a Catholic.  I am proud to be apart of the biggest mega church in the world! I am home. 

7 Quick Takes:Or maybe not...

It's Friday and it's 7 Quick Takes Day....I'm kind of feeling writer's block this morning, but still feel like writing.  So I will try for 7....but I make no promises.

***1***

For our wedding we got one of those BIG family Bibles.  I had it displayed on a shelf in our guest bedroom where it basically collected dust.  My husband decided it was time that we put it to use.  So we set it up in a more high traffic area in our house and every day or two Tom marks a new passage that we just kind of stop and read as we pass.  I wasn't sure it was going to be effective, but I find myself stopping during my busy day to read the passage and ponder on it...if even just for a second.  Then I look at the picture of Mary and the Child Jesus directly above it...ask for her help and move on with my day.  It's been a perfect little blessing in our home! Good idea, honey!

***2***

Sometimes I really struggle with the isolation that comes with being a Stay At Home Mom.  My neighborhood is mostly older couples or working adults and so some days I look out and there is no movement whatsoever.  The extrovert in me really struggles with this.  Noah is a little more mobile these days as the risk for germs has decreased, but we are also working on his daily schedule and naps are a must! Some days my only solace is checking in with friends on Facebook or some other form of social media.  I am looking for some baby and me type classes, but unfortunately they all seem to be in some other part of the metro Detroit area.  Anyways, I am hoping with summer approaching some things might change and I will feel like I get a little more adult conversation in...

Any ideas of places to go that are infant friendly and aren't shopping??  Anyone up for a play date?

***3***

I have been working on getting more active these past few weeks and I gotta tell you...2 years of bed rest and not being very active has taken a toll on my body!  I cannot believe how much effort a mile is for me these days!  I can feel my muscles complaining that they haven't gotten this much action in a long, long time.  I am determined to rebuild some muscle and continue to get healthier.  It's amazing what a little neglect can do to your body in such a short time.  I use an app called "Map My Walk" to measure how far I've gone.  It's super helpful and encouraging.  I am looking forward to improving my time and shedding some pounds in the mean time, too.  Who knows, maybe I will start  running again one of these days??  Until then...baby steps...

***4***

So a few weeks ago we started putting Noah in his crib for bedtime.  He's really done a fantastic job at night, but he will NOT take naps for any extended period of time in his crib.  It's the darndest thing!?  So it's back to his swing where he will sleep for 2-3 hours at a given time.  Silly boy...

On that same note...my little guy is still not sleeping through the night and I gotta tell you....I am really, really over it.  I love this sweet guy, but 5 months of getting up at least 1-2 times a night is taking it's toll on me.  I am hoping his doctor says we can start cereal soon and perhaps that will help!  Oh sweet, sweet sleep....I miss you.

***5***

So this is a Catholic thing...I always feel bad about decorating for Easter during Lent, but then once Easter has come I don't feel like decorating for Easter.  For many years I just didn't, but this year I did.  Anyways, it's probably stupid and silly, but what's a good Catholic to do? I know, I know...Easter is 50 days after Lent, but I always feel late to the party...

***6***

Running out of topics.....

How about in 10 days Lent will be over and I can go back to shopping at my beloved Target??? I've already started adding my Cartwheel coupons and am anticipating just walking through those beloved aisles taking it all in and hitting up a clearance rack or two! 

***7***

I made it to 7!

In 2 weeks I will be 35 years old! 35?!?!?!  That's just crazy...I'm not sure I like it.


Well, I did it.  I hope I didn't bore you with my 7 random thoughts for this week.  It's going to be sunny and beautiful this weekend! Get out there and enjoy yourselves!!!

7 Quick Takes:Cleaning Out

Happy Friday morning to you all!!  So far my little guy is sleeping in so I am going to attempt to get as many of my quick takes typed out before that little bundle of energy wakes up! I am on my 2nd cup of uninterrupted coffee and feeling fine!

***1***

The biggest news around these parts is that after 4 months of sleeping anywhere but his crib, our sweet boy has finally taken the plunge!  Last week after watching him grow more dependent on me for sleep I knew he was ready for his crib.  We put him in for the first time on Sunday night and he did fantastic!!  Hardly put up any kind of fuss!!  He still struggles sleeping in there from time to time during naps, and last night was a doozy falling asleep for him, but overall I would say it was a success!! I am so excited!!  It's been an adjustment for me not having him in our room, but I have also enjoyed having our room back to ourselves.  Not having to tiptoe around and being able to put on pjs with a light on have been glorious....that is on days that I wasn't in my pjs for the entire day. ;)  Anyways, GO NOAH!! Now if I can just get him to sleep for longer stretches...

***2***

The second biggest thing that has happened around these parts is after being inspired by my sister-in-law who gave up all artificial sweeteners and is feeling great and losing weight, I chose to do the same.  That means good-bye $1 Diet Cokes from McDonalds and anywhere else.  I have to say I feel better despite major craves for my beloved carbonated drink.  I have known for a long time that I should stop drinking diet pop and get aspartame out of my system, but never took the plunge, well after slowly working that way I finally did it!  I know that my body is better because of it.  I am really focusing on eating clean-er and making better choices for me and my family.  I look at Noah and know that I need to make these changes now so that when he starts with foods he will see a good example in Tom and I.  Chemical free is the way to be! 

***3***

In an effort to eat clean-er, I've joined the smoothie train! This week I made my first smoothie that had both spinach and kale in it...along with peaches, almond milk, and yogurt.  It was yummy and satisfying! I am looking forward to trying different recipes and exploring the world of smoothies.  Kudos again to my sister-in-law!!

***4***

Yesterday, I did an unofficial weighing of Noah by getting on the scale holding him, then putting him down and subtracting the difference!  Let's not talk about my weight....BUT Noah unofficially comes in at a whopping 11 lbs!!!!  Our little preemie is growing up! I can't wait to see his official weight in a few weeks at his well visit! It's so fun watching Noah start to learn and explore.  We are working on rolling over and holding things.  He is so alert and much more engaged.  He sits up in his chair for longer periods of time each day!

***5***

OK, so do you watch The Blacklist?  If you don't, you should! OMgoodness!!  It is so good and it keeps me on the edge of my seat each week.  It's one of the reasons I am so glad that when we cancelled our cable (which we don't miss at all by the way...) I am glad we got Hulu+.  Rarely can I finish a show that starts at 10pm, so I love catching up on my 2 favorite shows, The Blacklist and Parenthood, on Hulu.  Great investment!  We also have started watching the first season of Scandal on Netflix.  So good!!!!

***6***

After 6 months, a few heart to heart conversations with a few good friends, and a lot of prayer I decided this week to put away the pump for good.  It was a really hard decision for me.  Anyone who has exclusively pumped can relate that being chained to that pump multiple times a day is so very frustrating and stressful.  Well after cutting back already, I recognized that it was getting harder and harder for me to keep up with the pumping while taking care of Noah and my daily chores.  So this week I weaned myself off.  I am 100% relieved and about 50% guilty at the same time.  Thankfully, we have a nice stash of frozen breast milk to last us for a while supplementing with formula.  I am thankful that modern society has an option to help me feed my son, while still alleviating my stress level.  I feel judgment and sympathy from both sides of the fence, but in the end I decided to do what was best for my son and myself. I am thankful for the many months I was able to give Noah this gift and that I have enough frozen to go a bit longer.  I am also thankful for the extra time and effort I can put towards his life by being able to play with him and devote more time to him.  But oh the mommy guilt....

***7***

Did you see what I painted this week??  I love Painting with a Twist! My new favorite mommy outing!

***7.5***

I just have to tell you that my husband is a rock star! For so, so many reasons...anyways, today I am thankful that God chose Tom to be my husband.  He is such a blessing to both Noah and I.  I love you, Tom.  xo

7 Quick Takes:March Madness

I suppose around these parts when you read the words "March Madness" you may assume that I am going to be writing about basketball, but I haven't watched one game of basketball...maybe ever, so really the madness in March I am speaking of is the life to life stuff.

***1***

Speaking of madness however, did you read or see about Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's "conscious uncoupling?" First of all what the hell is a "conscious uncoupling?" Is this the same as "He would should not be named" from Harry Potter equivalent to the big "D" word?  Anyways, they are splitting up.  Call it what you will, but what really irked me about this is that Gwyneth went on to say on her website goop.com website that it's no longer possible for marriages to last 30-40 years because we are all living too much.  She even brought "experts" to back this up!  WHAT?!?!  Sorry Gwyneth.  Some of us still live with the notion that we are married for life.  And guess what else? Marriage is hard.  Like really stinking hard some days, but there are still those of us who are willing to fight like hell to make sure we are married 30, 40, or even 50 years!  When we took those vows we meant them.  Now I understand there are cases where divorce is necessary and I am not judging those who have had to go down that road, but don't dog those of us who have decided to try for that 50 year mark and beyond.  Just cause you couldn't do it Gwyneth, doesn't mean the rest of us can't!

Do you want to read another really asinine article about dear Gwyneth?  Read this article. It will be sure to tick off all you hard working mamas out there!

***2***

Well, March came in like a lion and went out like a....Lion.  But there is some hope!  Today when we woke it was 50 degrees outside! Ok it was windy and cloudy, but it was 50! Noah and I got out for a quick walk before it started raining.  There are some more sunny days in the 50s on the way...maybe April will be nicer to us?  Maybe we can skip the whole April showers, brings May flowers thing this year....didn't we get enough snow to make up for it?  One can hope....

***3***

Speaking of walks, I am excited to say that Noah and I have made it out for a walk twice this week so far.  I am hoping we can get out on Sunday too.  Wednesday we had to walk inside at our favorite museum and today we took a nice walk around the neighborhood.  I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I get out there and exercise.  It clears my head, encourages me to eat better, and just encourages me in this great life long weight loss battle.  Noah loves going for walks too! He is so alert these days and loves to look around at the sights....though he usually zonks out half way through.  Anyways, I am hoping this will be a great part of our daily routine and I can say that I am a little healthier and possibly lose some weight too by the end of summer.  Just have to survive all those BBQs!

***4***

When I was pregnant with Noah I was out with my friend Katie shopping for PJs for their daughter.  Her husband had complained that he wanted PJs for her that weren't snap ups because they were such a pain in the middle of the night.  I've gotta be honest...I thought he was being a little ridiculous (sorry Danny), but open mouth insert foot!  Who the heck decided that infant PJs should be snap up?  They are such a pain in the middle of the night and the beginning of the day and all the times in between there.  So as I buy the next size up I have been searching for zip up only PJs.  They are a dime a dozen people!  Maybe I should create a new line of infant PJs with zippers.  Surely there are other parents out there who would applaud my efforts.  Rant over.

***5***

Well, after reviewing our finances, looking at our current lifestyle, and exploring areas closer to Tom's work we have decided that the Bauers will hopefully be moving out to Ann Arbor next spring.  We have a lot of work to do in the next year, but are excited and energized every time we are out in that area.  Being closer to Tom's work, my parents when they are here in the summer, and near our new church will all be blessings to our little family.  It's hard not to pack up and just move right now, but we know the responsible thing is to get all of our ducks in order first. 

I do have to say however it's kind of bittersweet.  Our current home is in the city we both grew up in.  It's home to us and always will  be.  But just like everything else in life it's changed over the years and it's time for us to move to a place that better suits our family's needs.  Luckily we are only about 35 minutes away and will look forward to coming home to visit friends and family.

Next up...we need to bring our realtor in to tell us what we should and shouldn't do to get this house ready to be put on the market next year.  We need to get the most bang for our buck. 

***6***

I have recently discovered  Trader Joe's!  I have to say, I love Trader Joe's.  I get what all the hype is about.  And just as I have discovered this little gem they decide to close down I-96 for like a whole year.  Ugh...but guess where else there is a Trader Joe's??   That's right...Ann Arbor! I think we will have to check that one out one week after church.

***7***

I shouldn't have to justify my decisions we make as a family to the world, but I keep thinking about this so I wanted to explain something to all of my readers, especially my pro-life friends out there.  Tom and I recently made the decision to participate in the March of Dimes walk to help fund research and technology to help save preemie babies.  My dear friend, who happens to be Noah's godmother, was promoting our walk and was questioned about our decision to support this group because the March of Dimes donates money to Planned Parenthood.  I felt bad that I put my friend in this situation, especially because her and I had a whole conversation about this issue and I really thought and prayed about this.  And here's the thing...does it bum me out as a pro-life mother of 2 preemies that March of Dimes gives money to Planned Parenthood?  Yes.  No doubt.  But then I started to think about what being pro-life means to me and the thought that came to me was this...The March of Dimes does a lot more for the pro-life movement than they do against it.  Being pro-life isn't just about being anti-abortion.  And it's with that thought that we decided to join the walk.  Because I've gotta be honest...it's one of the only organizations out there fighting against prematurity and when I look at my miracle of a baby and think about his brother in heaven I am thankful there are people like them out there fighting for my boys.  My 23 gestational week old little boy lived for 4 days.  It's kind of crazy when you think about it?  I got 4 days with my baby boy because of advances made in technology.  My 27 weeker is sitting in his swing right now.  He coos, smiles, spits up, and cries because of advances made to save preemies like him.  I can be a mother here on this earth because of people at March of Dimes.  Maybe that makes me a bad pro-lifer...maybe it makes me a bad Catholic even, but if my money and effort can go towards helping another mother being able to bring her baby home instead of planning a funeral for her baby then I would say I am living out what it means to be prolife. 



In saying all of that...if you would like to join us in our walk please see the link below. 

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=1267400&ct=4&w=6365599&u=ssruskin

7 Quick Takes: The Sunday Morning Edition

Good Sunday morning from the Bauer household! :) Noah is falling asleep in his swing, I am working on my second cup of coffee, and Tom is getting caught up on his daily news fill.  It's a pleasant morning here in the Bauer household...just how we like it! Friday was crazy busy and yesterday I wasn't feeling so great, so here it goes with my Quick Takes a few days late....

***1***

Two weeks ago we finally took the plunge and got rid of cable.  It was frustrating us paying so much money for something we rarely used.  Well, I have to say we don't miss it one bit! We do still have Netflix and we are trying Hulu+ out, but I have to say it hasn't effected me one bit and we are thankful for the savings we are going to have each month.  If you are considering getting rid of your cable I can't encourage you enough to take the plunge, too! We are now paying $16 a month vs almost $100.  We did have to buy an antennae, but it's well worth the savings.

***2***

Tom and I are going to a marriage seminar based on Dr. Emerson Eggerich's book "Love & Respect."  It has breathed new life into our marriage and made us realize a lot about our marriage and each other.  I can't recommend the book enough to everyone out there if you are engaged, newly married, or have been married for 100 years.  It really is spot on for the differences between men and women and will bless your marriage, I promise. 

***3***

It's been 18 days since I have been to Target (minus a quick trip to pick up Noah's prescription and a few essential items so I didn't have to make a second trip to another store.)  I am having withdrawal symptoms.  Pathetic.

***4***

How's Lent going you ask?  I would say it is going pretty great!  I am doing pretty great keeping up on the dishes most days.  My prayer life is growing once again and it feels great to take a few minutes to pray and enjoy some quiet with the Lord, and as I mentioned I haven't been to Target or done very much frivolous shopping! (Ok, there was a Carter's mishap, but I am back on track! I swear...)  I am still struggling with my weight and healthy eating unfortunately.  So that's what I am really focusing on this 3rd week of Lent.  No eating out for us! Healthy eating and hopefully a few days of exercise too! The never ending battle....How are your Lenten promises going? It's not to late to readjust and reevaluate!

***5***

Tom and I have made the decision after a horrible summer last year due to bed rest and a very stressful pregnancy that we are not going to be doing a lot of sitting home this summer!  So what are your favorite places to visit in the area?  What are your favorite summer time gems?  We have a pass to Greenfield Village and are planning on purchasing a pass to the Zoo, but what else do you love to do outside in the summer?  What are your favorite parks, cities, and attractions that are newborn friendly?  It's time to break that fancy stroller in, finally!

***6***

Do you watch Parenthood??  Well if you don't you should! It's seriously the best show on TV these days.  Well, the Blacklist is a very close second.  But I love the realistic  story line of Parenthood and how the Braverman's look out for each other.  It's real TV and I fall in love with the family each and every week.  You should too!

***7***

Guess who is 6 months old today??

A Pile of Books

In our Living Room, in my little corner of the couch sits a stack of books.  I've always been a reader, but my reading tends to ebb and flow.  Lately, I have been reading a lot of very fantastic books so I thought I would share them with you.  I should tell you many of the books I am reading are Christian based, but none of them are overly preachy or unattractive (in my opinion) to a non-believer.  Anyways, enjoy! And Try one or two....

P.S. I am not being paid or asked to endorse any of these books.  Just sharing out of the goodness of my heart.

1.  "Love & Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

If you are married and have not read this book, you should.  Both my husband and I are reading this book as it correlates with a seminar we are taking at church right now.  It has opened our blue and pink eyes to how the other thinks, speaks, and reacts.  If you are engaged or have been married 50 years, I think you will find this book helpful and encouraging.  I think it's going to bless our marriage for many years to come.

 

2. "What To Expect: The First Year" by Heidi Murkoff

 

There's not much to say about this one other than as any other first time mother I am doing my duty and working through this classic.  It's not the greatest book I've ever read, but it's nice to flip through from time to time.

 

 

3. "A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises" by Renee Swope

 

I've gotta say, other than the book "The Thrill of the Chaste" by Dawn Eden that I read a few years back, no book has hit the nail on the head for me like this one.  It's exactly what I needed to read in my life right now.  As a new wife and a new mother, staying at home after an 11 year career, A LOT has changed for me in the past 2 years.  So many doubts have crept into my head with my new lifestyle.  This book has been an answer to prayer.  It also has a coordinating daily devotional that I love.  I think this is a great book for any woman who struggles with doubt and self worth!  Highly recommend!

 

 

4. "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth, M.D.

 

I was given this book by a dear friend after Noah was born.  So far it's the best book I've read that compliments our style of parenting with regards to sleep training.  I also have heard from many other mothers that it has been a blessing to them and sleep training.  I think it's very practical and has a step-by-step program to follow.  I have yet to implement it fully, but have picked up a lot of little nuggets of tips already. 

 

 

5. "The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning" by Simcha Fisher

 

It's no secret that Tom and I are devout, pro-life Catholics and therefore we don't use any form of artificial birth control in our marriage.  That being said, Natural Family Planning has it's own sets of challenges and gray areas.  So when I went to a friend with some questions and some frustrations she turned me to Simcha Fisher.  (Isn't that the craziest name?)  Well, this little book is a gem! First of all, it's hilarious.  And so, so helpful. I love the opening of this book.  Go ahead and read it and then understand why I love Simcha's writing style:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sinners-Guide-Natural-Family-Planning-ebook/dp/B00FRM6Q72#reader_B00FRM6Q72

 

Anyways, I can't say enough for this book. Again, another gem that has been an answer to pray for me at this stage of my life. If you are using NFP OR if you want to learn more about how to use NFP in your marriage then this is a great choice.

 

 

6. "Cross" by James Patterson

 

OK, so technically I haven't read this one yet, BUT I have read many of James Patterson's book and I love a good successful thriller.  I am hoping to dig into this one soon.  There's nothing I love more than getting lost in a good story line.  Unfortunately, a little cutie in my life doesn't leave me much time to read more than a few minutes at a time. 

 

 

7. "Embracing Your Strengths:Who Am I in God's Eyes & What Am I Supposed to Do About It?" by the Women of Faith

 

Ok, the last book gracing my coffee table is actually a book we are using in my Women's Fellowship group.  I included it, however, because I think it's an awesome book for a small group such as ours or even something to work through on your own.  I love books that encourage me in my feminine strengths through the eyes of Christ.

 

 

So there you have it folks! Those are the books taking up space on my coffee table these days! Maybe it's because we got rid of cable, or maybe it's another time in my life where reading has taken a part of each of my days, but regardless I thought I would share with you what I am spending my few minutes of spare time each day! Enjoy reading!